How To Get Rid Of Chickweed

Spotting those pesky green mats of chickweed taking over your lawn can be frustrating. Chickweed thrives in moist soil and sunny spots, quickly forming dense patches that choke out your grass.

This guide will show you simple ways to remove chickweed through hand-pulling, herbicides, and natural methods. You’ll also learn how to stop it from coming back.

Identifying Chickweed in Your Lawn

A close-up of an adult hand cradling a delicate, small plant.

Chickweed comes in two main types that invade North American lawns. Common Chickweed (Stellaria Media) grows low to the ground, rarely reaching above 2 inches in height. Mouse-Ear Chickweed (Cerastium Vulgatum) has sticky, hairy nodes that make it feel rough to touch.

Both types produce small, star-shaped white flowers that give this lawn weed its “starwort” nickname. These invasive plants spread quickly across your garden and can reach up to 12 inches tall in some cases.

Know your enemy – identifying chickweed correctly is the first step to winning the battle against this garden pest.

Spotting chickweed early helps stop it from taking over your lawn. Look for small white flowers with five deeply notched petals that form a star shape. The stems have a single line of hairs running along one side.

This annual plant thrives in most U.S. states, making it a common garden pest nationwide. Now let’s explore the most effective methods to remove chickweed from your lawn.

Methods to Remove Chickweed

A well-used garden weeder uproots vibrant chickweed from a backyard.

Getting rid of chickweed in your lawn requires proven methods that work. You can choose from several effective approaches to remove this pesky weed from your yard.

Hand-weeding and mechanical removal

A person diligently tending to a garden, uprooting Common Chickweed plants.

Hand-weeding offers a direct and effective way to tackle chickweed in your lawn. Physical removal methods work best when done correctly and at the right time.

Pull chickweed when soil is moist to make removal easier and more complete.
Common Chickweed can be fully removed through manual weeding since it doesn’t typically regrow afterward.
Mouse-Ear Chickweed needs more careful pulling as it may sprout again from leftover roots.
Use a sharp spade to dig out small Common Chickweed plants from the root base.
Check your lawn often for new chickweed growth to catch plants before they spread.
Grasp chickweed at the base near the soil for the most effective pulling technique.
Remove the entire root system during hand removal to prevent regrowth.
Dispose of pulled chickweed in yard waste bags rather than your compost pile.
Wear gardening gloves during manual weeding to protect your hands.
Try using a hoe or cultivator for larger patches of chickweed infestation.

Next, we’ll explore how chemical herbicides can help control chickweed when physical methods aren’t enough.

Using chemical herbicides effectively

A person tending to a backyard garden, spraying weeds on a sunny day.

While hand-weeding works for small areas, chemical herbicides offer a faster solution for larger chickweed problems. The right products can save you time and effort in your lawn maintenance routine.

Choose selective herbicides that target chickweed without harming your grass. Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed costs $34.49 and treats both weeds and feeds your lawn.
Apply preemergence herbicides like Prodiamine and Pendimethalin before chickweed seeds sprout. These create a barrier that stops new weeds from growing.
Treat visible chickweed with postemergence herbicides for quick results. Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Use costs $17.99 and works well for spot treatments.
Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action provides three benefits at once for $41.49. This product kills weeds, prevents crabgrass, and feeds your lawn in one step.
Use contact herbicides such as Glufosinate and Diquat on young, small chickweed plants. These work on direct contact with the weed.
Spray herbicides on dry days with little wind for best weed control results. This helps the product stick to weeds instead of blowing away.
Follow all label directions for proper herbicide application rates. Using too much can harm your lawn or the environment.
Wear gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection during chemical weed removal. Safety matters when handling lawn care products.
Consider Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food for $101.99 as part of your yearly lawn maintenance plan. This helps stop multiple weed types.
Allow treated areas to dry completely before allowing pets or children back onto the lawn. Most products need at least 24 hours to work properly.

Natural remedies for chickweed control

A woman waters chickweed in her garden on a sunny morning.

Natural remedies offer safe ways to fight chickweed without harsh chemicals. These options work well for homeowners who prefer organic weed control methods.

Apply organic mulch around garden plants to block sunlight from reaching chickweed seeds. This simple barrier stops seed germination and helps maintain weed-free soil.
Plant tougher grass types like Tuff Turf Lawn Seed in your yard. Strong grass crowds out chickweed by taking up space and nutrients.
Pour boiling water directly on chickweed patches to kill the plants quickly. This method works best for small areas and path edges.
Spray a mix of vinegar and salt on chickweed during dry, sunny days. The acid burns the weed leaves and stems on contact.
Spread corn gluten meal as a pre-emergent weed control in early spring. This stops new chickweed seeds from growing while adding nitrogen to your soil.
Create a thick layer of newspaper or cardboard over chickweed areas. Cover with soil or mulch to block light and kill existing plants.
Water your lawn deeply but only two to three times per week. This practice builds stronger grass roots while making soil less friendly to moisture-loving chickweed.
Feed your lawn four times yearly with organic fertilizer. Apply twice in spring and twice in fall to boost grass health and crowd out weeds.
Sprinkle baking soda on damp chickweed patches. This raises soil pH and creates harsh conditions for chickweed growth.
Use a soap spray made with dish soap and water to dry out chickweed. The soap breaks down the waxy coating on leaves, causing the plant to dry out.

Preventing Future Chickweed Growth

A woman aerates her lawn on a serene late afternoon.

A strong lawn defense stops chickweed before it starts. Feed your lawn four times yearly—twice in spring and twice in fall—to build thick grass that crowds out weeds. Water deeply but less often, about two to three times weekly, which helps grass roots grow strong while chickweed stays weak.

Set your mower blade higher to let grass grow taller, creating shade that blocks sunlight from reaching chickweed seedlings. Lawn aeration improves soil health by allowing water, nutrients, and air to reach grass roots more easily.

This simple step makes your lawn thicker and more resistant to weed invasion.

Regular checks for new chickweed growth allow you to catch problems early. Apply preemergence herbicides in late fall or early winter to stop chickweed seeds from sprouting in the first place.

This timing works best because it targets seeds before they can grow in spring. Proper grass cutting height acts as a natural barrier against weed growth. Taller grass shades the soil and prevents weed seeds from getting the light they need.

Now let’s explore what to do if chickweed returns despite your prevention efforts.

Conclusion

A well-maintained, lush green lawn illuminated by soft afternoon sunlight.

Fighting chickweed takes time but pays off with a healthier lawn. You now have many tools to tackle this pesky weed, from hand-pulling to safe herbicides. Regular lawn care stops chickweed before it starts.

Prevention works better than treatment, so keep your grass thick and healthy. Your yard can stay chickweed-free with these simple steps and a bit of regular attention.